2023 Government Shutdown: Impact to Federal Nutrition Programs FAQ

2023 Government Shutdown: Impact to Federal Nutrition Programs FAQ

Click here for a Spanish translation of this information/ haga clic aquí para una traducción al español.

As a federal government shutdown approaches, we want to share the information we have on potential impacts to food banks, SNAP, and other federal nutrition programs that Arizonans rely on to make ends meet. There is unfortunately still a lot of uncertainty, so please reach out to the Arizona Food Bank Network (AzFBN) using the contact information below with any questions. 

Background: If the U.S. Congress does not pass legislation to fund the federal government by September 30, 2023, or temporarily extend current baseline funding through a “continuing resolution,” the government will shut down. A shutdown may also occur at the conclusion of any short-term “continuing resolution.” The impacts on federal nutrition programs and the families they assist largely depend on how long a shutdown lasts.  

Q: What does a government shutdown mean for people who participate in federal nutrition programs, including SNAP, WIC, school meals, and food boxes? 

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps): The USDA has confirmed that October 2023 benefits will be issued in full according to their standard issuance schedule and that SNAP applications and recertifications will continue to be processed. If the shutdown continues until November 2023, SNAP benefits could be incomplete or disrupted. For more information, contact the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES): https://des.az.gov/na.  
• WIC (SNAP Supplemental Program for Women, Infants and Children): The Arizona WIC program does not anticipate an immediate impact on WIC benefits or services. Disruptions may occur if the shutdown is prolonged, but it is expected that the program will not be affected in October 2023. WIC participants are encouraged to contact their providers or the Arizona Department of Health Services for more information: www.azdhs.gov/prevention/azwic.  
• School meals and child nutrition programs: School meals and child nutrition programs are expected to operate as normal. This includes school breakfast and lunch, as well as afterschool meals provided through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). A prolonged shutdown could lead to delays due to workers being furloughed. 
• USDA Foods, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Senior Food Program (CSFP): There is no expected impact to TEFAP or CSFP. Existing TEFAP and CSFP inventory will continue to be distributed by food banks directly to clients and to partner food pantries. A prolonged shutdown could lead to disruptions in storage and distribution funding. 

Q: What is the timeline for potential disruptions and impacts of a government shutdown? 

Previous government shutdowns have lasted anywhere from a few hours to 35 days; the longer the shutdown, the more negative impacts and disruptions. A shutdown could occur on October 1, or it could be postponed, if a short-term funding bill (“continuing resolution”) is passed quickly. Here is a timeline of the most immediate disruptions we anticipate if there is a prolonged shutdown starting on October 1: 

• Day 1 (10/1/23): Shutdown begins. 

• SNAP benefits issued in full and on schedule. 
• WIC benefits and services expected to continue uninterrupted in Arizona.  

• Day 4 (10/4/23): Federal employees receive their normal paycheck as scheduled. 

• Day 18 (10/18/23): Federal employees receive only a partial paycheck. 
• Day 32 (11/1/23): Federal employees miss their first full paycheck. 

• SNAP benefits not issued. 
• WIC benefits and services may be incomplete or disrupted. 

Q: Can federal employees and contractors receive assistance at food banks? 

• Yes, food banks are open to federal employees, people who work for federal contractors, and others impacted by the shutdown. Food banks provide nutritious food at no cost. Although there are rules that prohibit federal employees from accepting gifts from the public while completing official duties related to their federal employment, federal employees and people who work for federal contractors are allowed to receive charitable food assistance from nonprofits and organizations that aid community members. 
• Some federal employees and people who work for federal contractors may also receive SNAP and/or other federal nutrition programs, if they meet all eligibility criteria.